Methods and systems for distributing fiber optic telecommunications services to local area

ABSTRACT

A fiber optic drop terminal assembly includes a housing, a spool and a fiber optic distribution cable. The housing has a first exterior surface and an oppositely disposed second exterior surface. A plurality of ruggedized adapters is mounted on the first exterior surface of the housing. The ruggedized adapters include a first port accessible from outside the housing and a second port accessible from inside the housing. The spool is engaged with the second exterior surface and includes a drum portion. The fiber distribution cable is coiled around the drum portion. The distribution cable includes a first end and an oppositely disposed second end. The second end is disposed inside the housing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 16/163,304,filed Oct. 17, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,451,818, issued Oct. 22, 2019;which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/729,248, filed Oct.10, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,146,017, issued Dec. 4, 2018; which is acontinuation of application Ser. No. 15/463,657, filed Mar. 20, 2017,now U.S. Pat. No. 9,823,427, issued Nov. 21, 2017; which is acontinuation of application Ser. No. 15/241,785, filed Aug. 19, 2016,now U.S. Pat. No. 9,632,273, issued Apr. 25, 2017; which is acontinuation of application Ser. No. 15/070,857, filed Mar. 15, 2016,now U.S. Pat. No. 9,459,424, issued Oct. 4, 2016; which is acontinuation of application Ser. No. 14/341,952, filed Jul. 28, 2014,now U.S. Pat. No. 9,377,599, issued Jun. 28, 2016; which is acontinuation of application Ser. No. 13/584,363, filed Aug. 13, 2012,now U.S. Pat. No. 8,805,152, issued Aug. 12, 2014; which is a divisionalof application Ser. No. 12/487,318, filed Jun. 18, 2009, now U.S. Pat.No. 8,254,740, issued Aug. 28, 2012, which application claims thebenefit of provisional application Ser. No. 61/098,494, filed Sep. 19,2008, and provisional application Ser. No. 61/074,009, filed Jun. 19,2008, which applications are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

BACKGROUND

Fiber optic telecommunications technology is becoming more prevalent asservice providers strive to deliver higher bandwidth communicationcapabilities to customers/subscribers. The phrase “fiber to the x”(FTTX) generically refers to any network architecture that uses opticalfiber in place of copper within a local distribution area. Example FTTXnetworks include fiber-to-the-node (FTTN) networks, fiber-to-the-curb(FTTC) networks and fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) networks.

FTTN and FTTC networks use fiber optic cables that are run from aservice provider's central office to a cabinet serving a neighborhood.Subscribers connect to the cabinet using traditional copper cabletechnology such as coaxial cable or twisted pair wiring. The differencebetween an FTTN network and an FTTC network relates to the area servedby the cabinet. Typically, FTTC networks typically have cabinets closerto the subscribers that serve a smaller subscriber area than thecabinets of FTTN networks.

In an FTTP network, fiber optic cables are run from a service provider'scentral office all the way to the subscriber's premises. Example FTTPnetworks include fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) networks andfiber-to-the-building (FTTB) networks. In an FTTB network, optical fiberis routed from the central office over an optical distribution networkto an optical network terminal (ONT) located in a building. The ONTtypically includes active components that convert the optical signalsinto electrical signals. The electrical signals are typically routedfrom the ONT to the subscriber's residence or office space usingtraditional copper cable technology. In an FTTH network, fiber opticcable is run from the service provider's central office to an ONTlocated at the subscriber's residence or office space. Once again, atthe ONT, optical signals are typically converted into an electricalsignal for use with the subscriber's devices. However, to the extentthat an end user may have devices that are compatible with opticalsignals, conversion of the optical signal to an electrical signal maynot be necessary.

FTTP networks include active optical networks and passive opticalnetworks. Active optical networks use electrically powered equipment(e.g., a switch, router, multiplexer or other equipment) to distributesignals and to provide signal buffering. Passive optical networks usepassive beam splitters instead of electrically powered equipment tosplit optical signals. In a passive optical network, ONT's are typicallyequipped with equipment (e.g., wave-division multiplexing andtime-division multiplexing equipment) that prevents incoming andoutgoing signals from colliding and that filters out signals intendedfor other subscribers.

A typical passive FTTP network includes fiber optic cables routed from acentral location (e.g., a service provider's central office) to a fiberdistribution hub (FDH) located in a local area such as a neighborhood.The fiber distribution hub typically includes a cabinet in which one ormore passive optical splitters are mounted. The splitters each arecapable of splitting a signal carried by a single fiber to a pluralityof fibers. The fibers split out at the splitter are routed from thefiber distribution hub into the local area using a fiber opticdistribution cable. Fibers are routed from the fiber distribution cableto subscriber locations (e.g., homes, businesses or buildings) usingvarious techniques. For example, fiber optic drop cables can be routeddirectly from a breakout location on the distribution cable to an ONT ata subscriber location. Alternatively, a stub cable can be routed from abreakout location of the distribution cable to a drop terminal. Dropcables can be run from the drop terminal to ONT's located at a pluralityof premises located near the drop terminal.

SUMMARY

Features of the present disclosure relate to methods and systems forefficiently and cost effectively distributing fiber optic communicationsservices to a local area.

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a fiber optic dropterminal assembly including a housing, a spool and a fiber opticdistribution cable. The housing has a first exterior surface and anoppositely disposed second exterior surface. A plurality of ruggedizedadapters is mounted on the first exterior surface of the housing. Theruggedized adapters include a first port accessible from outside thehousing and a second port accessible from inside the housing. The spoolis engaged with the second exterior surface and includes a drum portion.The fiber distribution cable is coiled around the drum portion. Thedistribution cable includes a first end and an oppositely disposedsecond end. The second end is disposed inside the housing.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates a method for installinga drop terminal in a fiber optic network. The method includes mounting adrop terminal at an outdoor mounting location remote from a fiberdistribution hub. The drop terminal includes a housing having a firstexterior surface and an oppositely disposed second exterior surface. Aplurality of ruggedized adapters is mounted on the first exteriorsurface of the housing. A spool is engaged with the second exteriorsurface. The spool includes a fiber distribution cable coiled around adrum portion of the spool. The fiber distribution cable includes a firstend and an oppositely disposed second end. The method further includespulling the first end of the fiber optic distribution cable from thespool. The housing and spool rotate in unison as the fiber distributioncable is paid out from the spool. The first end of the fiber opticdistribution cable is connected to the fiber distribution hub.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method forinstalling a drop terminal in a fiber optic network. The method includespositioning a drop terminal proximate to a fiber distribution hub. Thedrop terminal includes a housing having a plurality of adapters mountedon a first exterior surface of the housing and a spool disposed on asecond exterior surface. The spool includes a fiber distribution cablecoiled around the spool. The fiber distribution cable includes a firstend and an oppositely disposed second end. The method further includesconnecting the first end of the fiber distribution cable to the fiberdistribution hub and moving the drop terminal away from the fiberdistribution hub such that the fiber optic distribution cable is paidout from the spool. The housing and the spool rotate in unison as thefiber optic distribution cable is paid out from the spool. The dropterminal is mounted to a mounting location remote from the fiberdistribution hub.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a fiber opticdevice. The fiber optic device includes a first spool including a coreand first and second radial flanges that are axially spaced apart alongthe core. The first and second radial flanges project radially outwardlyfrom the core. A second spool includes a core and first and secondradial flanges that are axially spaced apart along the core of thesecond spool. The first and second radial flanges of the second spoolproject radially outwardly from the core of the second spool. The firstflange of the second spool is secured to the second flange of the firstspool. The second spool has a larger cable storage capacity than thefirst spool. A drop terminal is pivotally mounted to the first flange ofthe first spool. The drop terminal includes a plurality of ruggedizedfiber optic adapters having outer ports that are accessible from outsidethe drop terminal. A distribution cable includes optical fibers linkedto connectors that are inserted within inner ports of the fiber opticadapters of the drop terminal. The distribution cable has a firstportion stored at the first spool and a second portion stored at thesecond spool.

A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the descriptionthat follows. These aspects can relate to individual features and tocombinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoinggeneral description and the following detailed description are exemplaryand explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad concepts uponwhich the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a fiber optic network in accordance with the principles ofthe present disclosure.

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate a sequence for installing the fiber optic networkof FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows another fiber optic network in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a sequence for installing the fiber optic network ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 8 shows still another fiber optic network in accordance withprinciples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fiber distribution hub suitable foruse in fiber optic networks of FIGS. 1, 5 and 8 in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the fiber distribution hub of FIG. 9with front doors in an open position.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the fiber distribution hub of FIG. 9with a swing frame in an open position.

FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of the fiber distribution hubsuitable for use in fiber optic networks of FIGS. 1, 5 and 8 inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a drop terminal suitable foruse in the fiber optic networks of FIGS. 1, 5 and 8.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a housing suitable for use with thedrop terminal in the fiber optic networks of FIGS. 1, 5 and 8.

FIG. 15 is a front view of the housing of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the housing of FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of a ruggedized fiber optic adapter suitablefor use with the drop terminal of FIG. 13.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a back piece of the housing of FIGS.14-16.

FIG. 19 is an alternate embodiment of a spool end suitable for use withthe drop terminal of FIG. 13.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a fiberspooling system in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure for use with a drop terminal.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the fiber spooling system of FIG. 20with a hinge plate in an open position.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the fiber spooling system of FIG. 20with the hinge plate in the open position.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a spoolingsystem.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the spooling system with a hinge platein an open position.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a cover of a drop terminal of thespooling system of FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a drop terminal assembly suitable foruse with the spooling system of FIG. 23.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the drop terminal assembly of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the spooling system of FIG. 23.

FIG. 29 is a rear perspective view of the drop terminal assembly of FIG.26.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the spooling system of FIG. 23.

FIG. 31 is a side view of the spooling system of FIG. 23 with a mandrel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary aspects of thepresent disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughoutthe drawings to refer to the same or like structure.

FIG. 1 shows a passive fiber optic distribution network 20 havingfeatures that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure. Generally, a distribution network20 is adapted for transmitting fiber optic telecommunication servicesbetween a central office 22 and a local area 24 (e.g., a local loop).The distribution network includes an F1 distribution cable 26 thatpreferably includes a plurality of optical fibers. For example, in oneembodiment, the F1 distribution cable 26 may have on the order of 12 to48 fibers. However, alternative numbers of fibers may also be used. Oneor more of the optical fibers of the F1 distribution cable 26 are routedto a fiber distribution hub 28. The fiber distribution hub 28 preferablyincludes one or more passive optical splitters adapted to split signalscarried by the fibers of the F1 distribution cable 26 into a pluralityof fibers that are optically coupled to one or more F2 distributioncables 30 a-c routed from the distribution hub 28 into the local area24. In one embodiment, the F2 distribution cables 30 a-c can eachinclude 12 optical fibers. As shown at FIG. 1, the F2 distributioncables 30 a-c include first ends 31 terminated by ruggedized multi-fiberconnectors 32. The multi-fiber connectors 32 interface with a bank 34 offiber optic adapters provided at an exterior of the fiber distributionhub 28. The adapter bank 34 facilitates quickly providing an opticalconnection between the optical fibers within the fiber distribution hub28 and the optical fibers of the F2 distribution cables 30 a-c. Fiberoptic drop terminals 36 a-c are respectively located at second ends 33of the F2 distribution cables 30 a-c. Drop terminal 36 a is shownpositioned within hand hole 38 a, drop terminal 36 b is shown mountedwithin hand hole 38 b, and drop terminal 36 c is shown mounted to autility pole 40. The F2 distribution cables 30 a-c are shown routedthrough an underground conduit 41 that is shown interconnecting threehand holes 38 a-38 c. Referring still to FIG. 1, fiber optic drop cables50 are routed from the drop terminals 36 a-c to ONT's located atsubscriber locations 52.

Each of the drop terminals 36 a-c includes a housing 42 and a spool 44connected to the housing 42. A plurality of ruggedized fiber opticadapters 46 are mounted to each of the housings 42. It will beunderstood that the term “ruggedized” refers to a component or systemthat is capable of withstanding the elements of an outdoor environmentand that reduces the risk of or prevents the ingress of dirt, dust,water, etc. from entering the drop terminal 36. The ruggedized fiberoptic adapters 46 include first ports that are accessible from outsidethe housings 42 and second ports that are accessible from inside thehousings 42. The fibers of the F2 distribution cables 30 a-c areterminated by optical connectors that are inserted into the second portsof the ruggedized fiber optic adapters 46. In certain embodiments, theoptical connectors can be terminated directly on the ends of the fibersof the F2 distribution cables 30 a-c. In alternative embodiments, theoptical connectors can be terminated indirectly to the ends of theoptical fibers of the F2 distribution cables 30 through the use ofconnectorized pigtails that are spliced to the ends of the fibers of theF2 distribution cables 30 a-c.

The drop cables 50 can be terminated at each end by a ruggedized opticalconnector. An example ruggedized optical connector is disclosed at U.S.Pat. No. 7,090,406 that is hereby incorporated by reference. Theruggedized optical connector terminated at one end of a given drop cablecan be inserted into the first port of one of the drop terminals 36 a-c,while the ruggedized optical connector located at the opposite end ofthe drop cable can be inserted into a corresponding ruggedized adapterprovided at the ONT located at the subscriber location 52. In thesubject embodiment, the ruggedized optical connector includes a sealingmember that engages a sealing surface of the ruggedized fiber opticadapter to provide an environmental seal or a weatherproof seal betweenthe ruggedized optical connector and the ruggedized adapter 46.

Portions of the F2 distribution cables 30 a-c are preferably wrappedaround the spools 44 of the drop terminals 36 a-c. For example, the F2distribution cables 30 a-c may include first lengths that extend fromthe drop terminals 36 a-c to the fiber distribution hub 28, and secondlengths that are wrapped around the spool 44 corresponding to the givendrop terminal 36 a-c. Thus, the total length of each of the F2distribution cables 30 a-c includes the length of cable extending fromthe drop terminal to the fiber distribution hub 28 plus an excess lengththat remains wrapped around the spool 44 after installation of the dropterminal 36 a-c. From the spool 44, the fibers of the multi-fiber cables30 are routed into the interior of the housing 42 through an accessopening. An environmental seal preferably is provided at the accessopening. In certain embodiments, the access opening is provided at abackside of the housing while the ruggedized fiber optic adapters areprovided at a front side of the housing.

Prior to installation of the local network, the installer can identifythe locations where it is desired to mount drop terminals. The installercan then roughly estimate the distances from the drop terminal mountinglocations to the fiber distribution hub 28. The installer can preferablyselect drop terminals from a supply of drop terminals having differentlengths of F2 distribution cable pre-wrapped around the spools of thedrop terminals. For example, drop terminals can be provided with F2distribution cable lengths of 100 feet, 250 feet, 500 feet, 1,000 feet,1,500 feet, 2,000 feet, 2,500 feet, 3,000 feet, etc. Thus, when a dropterminal mounting location is determined, the distance from the dropterminal location to the fiber distribution hub is estimated and a dropterminal having a pre-spooled length of F2 distribution cable sufficientto reach from the drop terminal mounting location to the fiberdistribution hub is selected. Typically, because the pre-spooled lengthsof F2 distribution cable are not specifically customized for each dropterminal mounting location, the spool will have a certain amount ofexcess cable that remains on the spool after the F2 distribution cablehas been routed from the drop terminal mounting location to the fiberdistribution hub.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, the installation of the network of FIG. 1will be described. In the subject embodiment, the installer can selectthree separate drop terminals 36 a-c each having a pre-spooled length ofF2 distribution cable that is sufficiently long to reach from thedesired drop terminal mounting location to the fiber distribution hub28. The installer can then first mount the drop terminal 36 c to theutility pole 40 as shown at FIG. 2. The multi-fiber connector 32 at theend of the F2 distribution cable 30 c pre-coiled about the spool 44 ofthe drop terminal 36 c is then connected to a pulling cable 55 that hasbeen pre-routed through the underground conduit 41. The pulling cable 55is then used to pull the F2 distribution cable 30 c through theunderground conduit 41 in a direction extending from the hand hole 38 ctoward the hand hole 38 b through the use of a cable puller 57 locatednear the fiber distribution hub 28. As the F2 distribution cable 30 c ispulled through the conduit 41, the spool 44 and the housing 40 of thedrip terminal 36 c rotate in unison about a common axis 65 c to allowthe F2 distribution cable 30 c to be paid off from the spool.

Once the multi-fiber connector 32 of the F2 distribution cable 30 creaches the hand hole 38 b, the drop terminal 36 b can be mounted at thehand hole 38 b and the multi-fiber connector 32 of the F2 distributioncable 30 b spooled about the spool 44 of the drop terminal 36 b is alsoconnected to the pulling cable 55. Thereafter, the cable puller 57resumes pulling and both F2 distribution cables 30 b and 30 c are pulledtogether through the conduit 41 toward the hand hole 38 a. As the cables30 b, 30 c are pulled, the housings 42 and spools 44 of the dropterminals 36 b,c rotate about respective axes 65 b, 65 c to allow thecables 30 b,c to be paid off from the spools 44. When the multi-fiberconnectors 32 of the F2 distribution cables 30 b, c reach the hand hole38 a, pulling of the cable 55 stops and the operator installs the dropterminal 36 a at the hand hole 38 a. The multi-fiber connector 32 of theF2 distribution cable 30 a wrapped around the spool 44 of the dropterminal 36 a is then connected to the cable 55 and pulling resumes topull all three cables 30 a-c through the underground conduit 41 from thehand hole 38 a to the fiber distribution hub 28. As the cables 30 a-care pulled, the housings 42 and spools 44 of the drop terminals 36 a-crotate about respective axes 65 a-c to allow the cables 30 a-c to bepaid off from the spools 44. When the multi-fiber connectors 32 reachthe fiber distribution hub 28, the multi-fiber connectors 32 aredisconnected from the cable 55 and plugged into the adapter bank 34 ofthe fiber distribution hub 28. In this way, the fiber distribution hub28 provides an interface between the optical fibers of the F1distribution cable and the F2 distribution cables.

FIG. 5 shows another fiber optic network 120 having features that areexamples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of thepresent disclosure. The network 120 shows a fiber distribution hub 28mounted on a utility pole 40 and drop terminals 36 a, 36 b mounted onutility poles 40 a, 40 b. A utility line 61 is routed across the utilitypoles. The drop terminals 36 a, 36 b have F2 distribution cables 30 a,30 b that are routed from the fiber distribution hub 28 along theutility line 61 to the utility poles 40 a, 40 b. Typically, the F2distribution cables 30 a, 30 b can be secured to the utility line 61 byconventional techniques such as lashing, tying, or other securingtechniques.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the installation of the network 120 willbe described. To install the network 120 of FIG. 5, the drop terminalmounting locations are identified and the operator selects dropterminals that are pre-spooled with a sufficient length of F2distribution cable to reach from the fiber distribution hub 28 to theidentified drop terminal mounting location. Multi-fiber connectors 32 ofthe F2 multi-fiber distribution cables 30 a, 30 b are then inserted intoan adapter bank 34 of the fiber distribution hub 28. The drop terminals36 a, 36 b are then mounted on an elevated carrying device 63 thatcarries the drop terminals 36 a, 36 b along the utility line 61 frompole to pole. As the elevated carrying device 63 moves the dropterminals 36 a, 36 b, the drop terminals housings 42 and theircorresponding spools 44 rotate in unison about rotation axes 65 a, 65 bto allow the F2 distribution cables 30 a, 30 b to be paid off from thespools 44. Periodically, the elevated carrying device 63 can be stoppedto allow the operator to lash the F2 distribution cables 30 a, 30 b tothe utility line 61. When the elevated carrying device 63 reaches pole40 a, the drop terminal 36 a is removed from the elevated carryingdevice 63 and secured to the pole 40 a. Thereafter, the elevatedcarrying device 63 continues to move along the utility line 61 while thehousing 42 and spool 44 of the drop terminal 36 b spin in unison aboutaxis 65 b to allow the F2 distribution cable 30 b to be paid off fromthe spool 44. Once again, the operator can periodically stop to lash theF2 distribution cable 30 b to the utility line 61. When the elevatedcarrying device 63 reaches the pole 40 b, the drop terminal 36 b isremoved from the elevated carrying device 63 and mounted to the pole 40b. Once the drop terminals 30 a, 30 b have been mounted to their dropterminal mounting locations, drop cables 55 can be routed from the dropterminals 30 a, 30 b to the ONT's of subscriber locations in need oftelecommunication services.

FIG. 8 shows another fiber optic network 220 in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure. The fiber optic network of FIG. 8has decentralized passive splitting that eliminates the need for a fiberdistribution hub where all of the splitting takes place. Instead,splitters are provided within drop terminals 36 a, 36 b. In such anembodiment, a distribution cable (e.g., a single fiber or multi-fiberdistribution cable) can be routed from a central office 22 or anotherintermediate location to drop terminal 36 a. At the drop terminal 36 a,the signal is split into a plurality of fibers that have connectorizedends inserted within inner ports of ruggedized adapters mounted at thedrop terminal 36 a. Another distribution cable can be plugged into theouter port of one of the adapters and routed to drop terminal 36 bhaving a splitter therein. At the drop terminal 36 b, drop cables can berouted from the ports of the drop terminal to subscriber locations 52.

To install the network 220, the drop terminals are preferably selectedso as to have a sufficient amount of pre-wrapped distribution cableprovided on the spools to reach from the drop terminal mounting locationto the other connection location. Once the drop terminals 36 a, 36 bhave been selected, the drop terminals 36 a, 36 b can be mounted attheir desired locations. Thereafter, the cables can be paid off from thedrop terminal spools and pulled to the desired interconnection location.As the cables are pulled, the spools 44 and the corresponding housings42 of the drop terminals 36 rotate in unison to allow the distributioncables to be paid off from the spools 44. In the case of the dropterminal 36 a, the drop terminal 36 a is mounted at a desired locationand then the distribution cable is pulled to the desired interconnectlocation where the fibers interconnect with a fiber from the centraloffice. Thereafter, the drop terminal 36 b is mounted at its desiredlocation and its corresponding distribution cable is pulled from thedrop terminal mounting location to the first drop terminal mountinglocation where the distribution cable is plugged into an adapter port ofthe drop terminal 36 a.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, an exemplary configuration of the fiberdistribution hub (FDH) 28 is shown. Certain aspects of the FDH shown inFIGS. 9-11 have been described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/354,286, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The FDH 28 includes a cabinet 400 that houses internal components. Thecabinet 400 of the FDH 28 includes a top panel 402, a bottom panel 403,a right side panel 404, a left side panel 406, a back panel 408, and atleast one front door 410. In one embodiment, the at least one front door410 includes a right door 412 and a left door 414. In one embodiment,the front doors 412, 414 include a lock 416. The at least one front door410 is pivotally mounted to the cabinet 400 using hinges 418, 420 tofacilitate access to the components mounted within the cabinet 400.

In general, the cabinet 400 of the FDH 28 is configured to protect theinternal components against rain, wind, dust, rodents and othercontaminants. However, the cabinet 400 remains relatively lightweightfor easy installation, and breathable to prevent accumulation ofmoisture in the unit. In some embodiments, an aluminum construction witha heavy powder coat finish also provides for corrosion resistance. Inone example embodiment, the cabinet 400 is manufactured from heavy gaugealuminum and is NEMA-4X rated. In other embodiments, however, othermaterials can also be used.

In accordance with example embodiments, the FDH 28 is provided in polemount or pedestal mount configurations. For example, as shown in FIG. 9,loops 422 can be provided on the cabinet 400 for facilitating deploymentof the cabinet 400 at a desired location. The loops 422 can be used toposition the cabinet using a crane. In particular, the crane can lowerthe cabinet 400 into an underground region. In some embodiments, theloops 422 are removable or can be adjusted to not protrude from the toppanel 402.

A swing frame 424 is pivotably mounted on hinges 426 within the cabinet400. The swing frame 424 includes bulkhead 428 that divides the swingframe 424 into a front portion 430 and a back portion 432 (shown in FIG.11). The bulkhead 428 includes a main panel 434 having a terminationregion 436 and a storage region 438. Generally, at least one terminationmodule 440 (shown schematically in FIG. 12) is provided at thetermination region 436 and at least one storage module 442 (shownschematically in FIG. 12) is provided at the storage region 438. One ormore distribution cable interfaces 444 can be positioned within the backportion 432 of the swing frame 424. At least one splitter module housing446 accommodating one or more splitter modules 448 is positioned at thetop of the swing frame 424.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a schematic diagram of an example cablerouting scheme for the FDH 28 is shown. The FDH 28 generally administersconnections at a termination panel between incoming fiber and outgoingfiber in an Outside Plant (OSP) environment. As the term is used herein,“a connection” between fibers includes both direct and indirectconnections. Examples of incoming fibers include the F1 distributioncable fibers that enter the cabinet and intermediate fibers (e.g.,connectorized pigtails extending from splitters and patchingfibers/jumpers) that connect the F1 distribution cable fiber to thetermination panel. Examples of outgoing fibers include the F2distribution cable fibers that exit the cabinet and any intermediatefibers that connect the F2 distribution cable fibers to the terminationpanel. The FDH 28 provides an interconnect interface for opticaltransmission signals at a location in the network where operationalaccess and reconfiguration are desired. For example, as noted above, theFDH 28 can be used to split the F1 distribution cables and terminate thesplit F1 distribution cables to F2 distribution cables. In addition, theFDH 28 is designed to accommodate a range of alternative sizes and fibercounts and support factory installation of pigtails, fanouts andsplitters.

As shown in FIG. 12, the F1 distribution cable 26 is initially routedinto the FDH 28 through the cabinet 400 (e.g., typically through theback or bottom of the cabinet 400 as shown in FIG. 12). In certainembodiments, the fibers of the F1 distribution cable 26 can includeribbon fibers. An example F1 distribution cable 26 may include twelve toforty-eight individual fibers connected to the central office 22. Insome embodiments, after entering the cabinet 400, the fibers of the F1distribution cable 26 are routed to the distribution cable interface 444(e.g., fiber optic adapter modules, a splice tray, etc.). At thedistribution cable interface 444, one or more of the fibers of the F1distribution cable 26 are individually connected to separate splitterinput fibers 450. The splitter input fibers 450 are routed from thedistribution cable interface 444 to the splitter module housing 446. Atthe splitter module housing 446, the splitter input fibers 450 areconnected to separate splitter modules 448, wherein the splitter inputfibers 450 are each split into multiple pigtails 454, each havingconnectorized ends 456. In other embodiments, however, the fibers of theF1 distribution cable 26 can be connectorized and can be routed directlyto the splitter modules 448 thereby bypassing or eliminating the needfor the distribution cable interface 444.

When the pigtails 454 are not in service, the connectorized ends 456 canbe temporarily stored on the storage module 442 that is mounted at thestorage region 438 of the swing frame 424. When the pigtails 454 areneeded for service, the pigtails 454 are routed from the splittermodules 448 to the termination module 440 that is provided at thetermination region 436 of the swing frame 424. At the termination module440, the pigtails 454 are connected to fibers of an F2 distributionpigtail 460. The F2 distribution pigtail 460 includes a plurality ofsingle fiber connectorized ends 462 on one end and a multi-fiberconnectorized end 464 on an opposite end of the F2 distribution pigtail460. In one embodiment, the fibers of the F2 distribution pigtail 460are routed to a fanout 466 where the individual fibers of the F2distribution pigtail 460 are brought together. The multi-fiberconnectorized end 464 of the F2 distribution pigtail 460 is adapted forengagement with a multi-fiber optic adapter 468 disposed in the adapterbank 34, which in the subject embodiment extends through the cabinet400. The multi-fiber optic adapter 468 includes an interior port 470 andan exterior port 472. The interior port 470 of the fiber optic adapter468 is accessible from the interior of the cabinet 400 while theexterior port 472 is accessible from the exterior of the cabinet 400. Asthe intermediate cable is disposed in the interior of the cabinet 400,the multi-fiber connectorized end 466 of the intermediate cable 464 isengaged with the interior port 470 of the multi-fiber optic adapter 468.The multi-fiber connector 32 of the F2 distribution cable 30 is adaptedfor engagement with the exterior port 472 of the multi-fiber opticadapter 468.

In one embodiment, one or more of the fibers of the F1 distributioncable 26 are not connected to any of the splitter modules 448. Rather,these fibers of the F1 distribution cable 26 are connected topass-through fibers 474 having connectorized ends 476. The pass-throughfibers 474 are connected to the termination modules 440, without firstconnecting to the splitter modules 452. By refraining from splitting thefiber 474, a stronger signal can be sent to one of the subscribers. Theconnectorized ends 476 of the pass-through fibers 474 can be stored atthe storage region 438 when not in use.

Referring now to FIG. 13, an exemplary configuration of the dropterminal 36 is shown. The drop terminal 36 includes the housing 42, thespool 44 disposed on an exterior surface of the housing 42 and amounting assembly 500 adapted for rotational engagement with the spool44.

Referring now to FIGS. 14-16, an exemplary configuration of the housing42 of the drop terminal 36 is shown. The drop terminal shown in FIGS.13-15 has been has been described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/728,043 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,512,304), the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The housing 42 of the drop terminal 36 includes a central longitudinalaxis 502 that extends from a first end 504 to a second end 506 of thehousing 42. The housing 42 includes a front piece 508 and a back piece510 that cooperate to define an enclosed interior of the housing 42. Thefront and back pieces 508, 510 are joined by fasteners 512 (e.g., boltsor other fastening elements) spaced about a periphery of the housing 42.The front and back pieces 508, 510 are elongated along the central axis502 so as to extend generally from the first end 504 to the second end506 of the housing 42.

The drop terminal 36 is environmentally sealed. In the subjectembodiment, the drop terminal 36 includes a gasket mounted between thefront and back pieces 508, 510 of the housing 42. The gasket extendsaround the perimeter or periphery of the housing 42 and preventsmoisture from entering the enclosed interior of the assembled housing42.

The housing 42 of the drop terminal 36 also includes the plurality ofruggedized fiber optic adapters 46 mounted to the front piece 508 of thehousing 42. As best shown in FIG. 17, each of the ruggedized fiber opticadapters 46 include the first port 516 accessible from outside thehousing 42 and the second port 518 accessible from within the housing42.

The housing 42 of the drop terminal 36 includes a length L and a widthW. The length L is parallel to the central longitudinal axis 502 of thehousing 42. In the subject embodiment, first, second and third rows 520₁-520 ₃ of the ruggedized fiber optic adapters 46 are mounted to thefront piece 508 of the housing 42. Each of the first, second and thirdrows 520 ₁-520 ₃ includes four ruggedized fiber optic adapters 46spaced-apart across the width W of the housing 42. It will beunderstood, however, that the scope of the present disclosure is notlimited to the housing 42 of the drop terminal 36 having first, secondand third rows 520 ₁-520 ₃ or to the housing 42 having four ruggedizedfiber optic adapters 46 per row.

In the subject embodiment, the first row 520 ₁ is located closest thefirst end 504 of the housing 42, the third row 520 ₃ is located closestthe second end 506 of the housing 42 and the second row 5202 is locatedbetween the first and third rows 520 ₁, 520 ₃. The front face of thefront piece 508 has a stepped configuration with three steps 522 ₁-522 ₃positioned consecutively along the length L of the housing 42. Each step522 ₁-522 ₃ includes an adapter mounting wall 524 ₁-524 ₃ definingadapter mounting openings in which the ruggedized fiber optic adapters46 are mounted. A sealing member 523 (shown in FIG. 17) is compressedbetween a main housing 525 of the ruggedized fiber optic adapter 46 andthe adapter mounting wall 524 ₁-524 ₃ to provide an environmental sealabout the adapter mounting opening.

As shown at FIG. 15, the adapter mounting walls 524 ₁-524 ₃ aregenerally parallel to one another and are spaced apart along the lengthL of the housing 42. The adapter mounting walls 524 ₁-524 ₃ have frontfaces that are aligned at an oblique angle θ₁ relative to a plane P thatextends through the central longitudinal axis 502 and across the width Wof the housing 42. The angled configuration of the adapter mountingwalls 524 causes the ruggedized fiber optic adapters 46 to be angledrelative to the plane P. For example, center axes 526 of the ruggedizedfiber optic adapters 46 are shown aligned at an oblique angle θ₂relative to the plane.

Referring now to FIG. 18, the back piece 512 of the housing 42 is shown.The back piece 512 defines a cable passage 530 that extends through theback piece 512. The cable passage 530 is adapted to allow thedistribution cable 30 to enter/exit the interior of the housing 42. Inone embodiment, the cable passage 530 is adapted to receive a cable sealthrough which the distribution cable 30 passes. The cable seal isadapted to be in sealing engagement with the distribution cable 30 andthe cable passage 530 to prevent the ingress of dirt, dust, water, etc.from entering the drop terminal 36 through the cable passage 530.

Referring now to FIG. 13, the spool 44 includes a first end 600 a, anoppositely disposed second end 600 b, and a drum portion 602 aroundwhich the F2 distribution cable 30 is coiled or wrapped. A spool 44suitable for use with the drop terminal 36 has been described in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/113,786, the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In the subject embodiment, the first end 600 a is disposed adjacent tothe back piece 510 of the housing 42. In one embodiment, the first end600 a is sealingly engaged with the back piece 510.

In the depicted embodiment, the first and second spool ends 600 a, 600 bof the spool 44 are substantially similar. As the first and second ends600 a, 600 b in the subject embodiment are substantially similar, thefirst and second ends 600 a, 600 b shall be referred to as spool end 600in both singular and plural tense as required by context. It will beunderstood, however, that the scope of the present disclosure is notlimited to the first and second ends 600 a, 600 b being substantiallysimilar.

Each spool end 600 is adapted to be a tear-away end. As a tear-away end,the spool end 600 includes a line of weakness 604. In the subjectembodiment, the line of weakness 604 extends from an inner diameter 606of the spool end 600 to an outer diameter 608 of the spool end 600.

Referring now to FIG. 19, an alternate embodiment of a spool end 700 isshown. In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 19, the spool end 700 includesat least one radial area of weakness 702 and at least one circular areaof weakness 704. The radial area of weakness extends from an outsidediameter 706 radially inward toward an inner diameter 708 of the spoolend 700. The circular area of weakness 704 forms a ring having adiameter that is less than the outer diameter 706 but greater than theinner diameter 708. In the subject embodiment, the circular area ofweakness 704 is concentric with the outer diameter 706. In oneembodiment, the radial and circular areas of weakness 702, 704 areperforated areas. In another embodiment, the radial and circular areasof weakness 702, 704 are areas of reduced thickness.

Referring again to FIG. 13, each of the spool ends 600 defines an accessnotch 610 that extends outwardly in a radial direction from the innerdiameter 606 and a tab 612 that extends inwardly in a radial direction.The access notch 610 is adapted to provide access to cable wound aroundthe drum portion 602 of the spool 44. The access notch 610 is alsoadapted to provide a location through which the F2 distribution cable 30can pass to get access to the cable passage 530 in the housing 42 of thedrop terminal 36. The tab 612 is adapted for engagement with the drumportion 602 in order to prevent rotation of the spool ends 600 relativeto the drum portion 602.

The drum portion 602 is generally cylindrical in shape and includes afirst axial end 614 and an oppositely disposed second axial end 616. Inthe subject embodiment, the first axial end 614 is disposed adjacent toa bracket 618 that is adapted to receive the housing 42 while the secondaxial end 616 is disposed adjacent to the mounting assembly 500. Thedrum portion further includes an inner bore 620 and an outer surface622.

Each of the first and second axial ends 614, 616 defines a groove 624.In the subject embodiment, each groove 624 extends from the inner bore620 through the outer surface 622 and is adapted to receive the tab 612from one of the spool ends 600. As previously stated, the engagement ofthe tab 612 of spool end 600 in the groove 624 of the drum portion 602prevents rotation of the spool end 600 relative to the drum portion 602.

The second axial end 616 further defines a notch 626. In the subjectembodiment, the notch 626 extends from the inner bore 620 through theouter surface 622 and is disposed on the second axial end 616 oppositethe groove 624 on the second axial end 616. The notch 626 is adapted toengage a protrusion 628 on a first plate 630 of the mounting assembly500. The engagement of the notch 626 and the protrusion 628 of the firstplate 630 of the mounting assembly 500 prevents relative rotationbetween the drum portion 602 and the first plate 630 of the mountingassembly 500.

The mounting assembly 500 includes the first plate 630 and a secondplate 632. The first plate 630 is adapted for engagement with the spool44 while the second plate 632 is adapted for engagement with a mountinglocation (e.g., hand hole 38, telephone pole 40, etc.). A bearing 634 isdisposed between the first and second plates 630. In the subjectembodiment, the bearing 634 is a simple bearing having a ring member636, which is engaged with the second plate 632, and a puck 638, whichis engaged with the first plate 630. The puck 638 is adapted for slidingrotational engagement with the ring member 636.

The bearing 634 and the engagement between the first plate 630, thespool 44, and the housing 42 of the drop terminal 36 allow the dropterminal 36 to rotate relative to the second plate 632. This engagementof the first plate 630, the spool 44 and the housing 42 allows the firstend 31 of the F2 distribution cable 30 to be deployed from the spool 44while the second end 33 is optically engaged within the interior of thehousing 42.

FIGS. 20-22 show another fiber optic cable spooling system 900 inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The spoolingsystem 900 is shown used in combination with drop terminal 36. Thespooling system 900 includes a slack storage spool 902 mounted to adisposable bulk storage spool 904. A central passage 906 extends axiallythrough both the bulk storage spool 904 and the slack storage spool 902.The central passage 906 is formed by a first opening 906 a that extendscoaxially through the slack storage spool 902 and a second opening (notshown) that extends through the bulk storage spool 904 in coaxialalignment with the first opening 906 a. The spooling system 900 furtherincludes a hinge plate 908 mounted to a front face of the slack storagespool 902. The hinge plate 908 is pivotally connected to the slackstorage spool 902 by a hinge or other type of pivot structure thatallows the hinge plate 908 to pivot relative to the slack storage spool902 about a pivot axis 910 that is generally parallel to the front faceof the slack storage spool 902. The drop terminal 36 mounts to a frontface of the hinge plate 908. The hinge plate 908 allows the dropterminal 36 to be pivoted between a first position (see FIG. 20) andsecond position (see FIGS. 21 and 22). When the drop terminal 36 and thehinge plate 908 are in the first position, a front side of the dropterminal 36 faces outwardly from the front side of the slack storagespool 902 and a back side of the drop terminal 36 faces toward the frontside of the slack storage spool 902. In this orientation, the hingeplate 908 and the drop terminal 36 block access to the central passage906 from the front side of the spooling system 900. When the dropterminal 36 and the hinge plate 908 are in the second position, thehinge plate 908 and the drop terminal 36 are pivoted away from the frontside of the slack storage spool 902 such that the central passage 906can be access from the front side of the spooling system 900.

Prior to installation of the drop terminal 36 in the field, adistribution cable 912 corresponding to the drop terminal 36 is spooledaround both the slack storage spool 902 and the bulk storage spool 904to facilitate shipping and handling of the drop terminals 36 along withthe corresponding distribution cable 912. A first portion of thedistribution cable 912 is stored at the slack storage spool 902 while asecond portion of the distribution cable 912 is stored about the bulkstorage spool 704.

In use of the spooling system 900, the spooling system 900 and itscorresponding drop terminal 36 can be delivered to a location in closeproximity to where it is desired to mount the drop terminal 36. Whenshipping takes place, the hinge plate 908 and drop terminal 36 areoriented in the closed position. To begin the installation process, thehinge plate 908 is pivoted from the closed position of FIG. 20 to theopen position of FIGS. 21 and 22. With the hinge plate 908 in the openposition, a front end of the central passage 906 is exposed such that amandrel can be inserted through the central passage 906. It will beappreciated that the mandrel may be supported on a cart, frame, or otherstructure so that the spooling system 900 is elevated above the ground.The distal end of the distribution cable 912 (i.e., the end of thedistribution cable that is farthest from the drop terminal 36) can thenbe accessed and pulled towards a connection/termination location such asa fiber distribution hub. For example, the distal end of thedistribution cable 912 could be pulled through an underground conduit orrouted along an aerial routing path. As the distribution cable 912 ispulled, the second portion of the distribution cable 912 is removed fromthe bulk storage spool 904. As the second portion of the distributioncable 912 is removed from the bulk storage spool 904, the bulk storagespool 904, the slack storage spool 902, the hinge plate 908 and the dropterminal 36 all rotate together in unison about the mandrel as the cablepays off of the bulk storage spool 904. Once the second portion of thedistribution cable 912 has been completely removed from the bulk storagespool 904, the first portion of the distribution cable 912 begins to payoff of the slack storage spool 902. The first portion of thedistribution cable 912 continues to be paid off of the slack storagespool 902 until the distal end of the distribution cable 912 reaches itsend destination (e.g., a fiber distribution hub, collector box or othertermination location). Once a sufficient length of the distributioncable 912 has been removed from the spooling system 900, the spools 902,904 can be removed from the mandrel, and the bulk storage spool 904 canbe disconnected from the slack storage spool 902 and discarded. Extralength of the distribution cable 912 can remain stored on the slackstorage spool 902. The hinge plate 908 can then be moved back to theclosed position of FIG. 20, and the drop terminal 36 can be mounted toits desired mounting location by securing the slack storage spool 902 tothe mounting location (e.g., a wall, a pole or other structure).

The spooling system 900 is preferably adapted to hold a relatively largeamount of cable. For example, in one embodiment, the slack storage spool902 holds about 60 meters of 5 mm diameter distribution cable, and thebulk spool 904 is sized to hold about 550 meters of 5 mm diameterdistribution cable. In other embodiments, the spooling system 900 holdsat least 200 meters of 5 millimeter diameter cable. In still otherembodiments, the spooling system 900 is sized to hold at least 400meters of 5 millimeter diameter cable. In additional embodiments, thespooling system 900 is configured to hold at least 600 meters of 5millimeter diameter cable.

Referring to FIGS. 20-22, the bulk storage spool 904 has a diameter thatis substantially larger than the diameter of the slack storage spool902. The bulk storage spool 904 includes a core 918 about which thedistribution cable is wrapped during storage. The bulk storage spool 904also includes front and back radial flanges 920, 922 positioned at frontand back axial ends of the core 918. The flanges 920, 922 arespaced-apart in a direction extending along the axis of the core 918 soas to define a cable storage space between the flanges 920, 922 whichsurrounds the core 918. The central passage 906 extends axially througha center of the core 918. During use of the bulk storage spool 904, thesecond portion of the distribution cable 912 is wrapped around the core918 and is contained in the region between the front and back flanges920, 922.

The slack storage spool includes a core 919 that is coaxially alignedwith the core 918 of the bulk storage spool 904. The core 919 has adiameter that is substantially smaller than the diameter of the core 918and the passage 906 extends axially through a center of the core 919.The slack storage spool 902 also includes front and back radial flanges924, 926 positioned at front and back axial ends of the core 919. Theflanges 924, 926 are spaced-apart in a direction extending along theaxis of the core 919 so as to define a cable storage space between theflanges 924, 926 which surrounds the core 919. The flanges 924, 926 havesmaller diameters than the flanges 920, 922. During use of the slackstorage spool 902, the first portion of the distribution cable 912 iswrapped around the core 919 and is contained in the region between thefront and back flanges 924, 926.

The slack storage spool 902 is preferably non-rotatably mounted to thebulk storage spool 904. By “non-rotatably” mounted, it is meant that theslack storage spool 902 is mounted in such a way that the slack storagespool 902 and the bulk storage spool 904 can rotate in unison about amandrel through the central passage 906 when cable is dispensed from thespooling system 900. In one embodiment, the slack storage spool 902 canbe secured to a front face of the front flange 920 of the bulk storagespool 904 by fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, rivets, pins, snaps, etc.)inserted through fastener openings 930 defined through the rear flange926 of the slack storage spool 902. Preferably, the fasteners areremovable so that the slack storage spool 902 can be disconnected fromthe bulk storage spool 904 after the second portion distribution cable912 has been removed from the bulk storage spool 904. After the bulkstorage spool 904 has been disconnected from the slack storage spool902, the mounting openings 930 can be used to receive fasteners forsecuring the slack storage spool 902 to the structure (e.g., a wall orpole) to which it is desired to mount the drop terminal 36.

Referring to FIG. 22, the front face of the front flange 924 of theslack storage spool 902 includes a pair of flexible latches 932 thatengage the hinge plate 908 when the hinge plate 908 is in the closedposition to selectively hold the hinge plate 908 in the closed position.

The drop terminal 36 can be secured to the hinge plate 908 by fastenersinserted through openings defined through the housing 42 of the dropterminal 36 that coaxially align with corresponding opening 936 providedthrough the hinge plate 908. After the distribution cable 912 has beendispensed from the spooling system 900 and the hinge plate 908 has beenpivoted back to the closed position, the openings 936 can be alignedwith corresponding opening 938 provided in the front flange 924 of theslack storage spool 902, and the fasteners used to secure the dropterminal 36 to the hinge plate 908 can be removed and replaced withlonger fasteners that extend through the openings defined by the housing42 of the drop terminal 36, the openings 936 defined by the hinge plate908 and the openings 938 defined through the front flange 924 of theslack storage spool 902. In this manner, the fasteners provide retentionof the drop terminal 36 to the slack storage spool 902 that supplementsthe retention force provided by the clip 932.

The front flange 920 of the bulk storage spool 904 defines a cabletransition notch 940 having a bottom end 942 that is generally flushwith an outer circumferential surface of the core 918 and is alsogenerally flush with the outer peripheral surface of the rear flange 926of the slack storage spool 902. Similarly, the slack storage spool 902includes a cable transition slot 950 having a closed end 952 that isgenerally flush with the outer circumferential surface of the core 919of the slack storage spool 902. The slot 950 also includes an open end954 located at an outer peripheral edge of the front flange 924 of theslack storage spool 902. When spooling the distribution cable 912 on thespooling system 900, the distribution cable 912 is routed from thebottom end of the drop terminal 36 through the cable transition slot 950to the core 919. The first portion of the distribution cable 912 is thenwrapped around the core 919 until the space between the flanges 924, 926is filled and the cable reaches the outer peripheral edges of theflanges 924, 926. The cable is then passed through the cable transitionnotch 940 to the outer circumferential surface of the core 918 of thebulk storage spool 904. The second portion of the distribution cable 912is then wrapped around the core 918 to complete the storage of theremainder of the distribution cable 912.

In an alternative installation process, the spooling system 900 and thecorresponding drop terminal 36 can initially be delivered to atermination location (e.g., a fiber distribution hub, collector box orother structure) that is remote from the desired mounting location ofthe drop terminal 36. The distal end of the distribution cable is thenconnected to the termination location. Thereafter, the hinge plate 908is pivoted to the open position of FIGS. 21 and 22, and a mandrelmounted to a moveable structure such as a moveable cart is passedthrough the central opening 906. Thereafter, the cart is used to movethe spooling system 900 and its corresponding drop terminal 36 to thedesired mounting location. As the cart is moved, the slack storage spool902, the bulk spool 904 and the drop terminal 36 rotate in unison as thedistribution cable 912 is paid off the spooling system. Before reachingthe end destination, it is preferred for all of the second portion ofthe distribution cable 912 to be removed from the bulk storage spool904. Thus, when the final destination is reached, the bulk spool 904 canbe removed from the slack storage spool 902 and discarded. Thereafter,the slack storage spool 902 can be mounted to a desired mountinglocation to secure the drop terminal at the desired location.

Referring now to FIGS. 23-25, an alternate embodiment of a spoolingsystem 1000 is shown. The spooling system 1000 includes a drop terminalassembly 1002 having a drop terminal 36′ that is selectively releasablyengaged with a slack storage spool 1004 that is selectively releasablyengaged with the bulk storage spool 904.

The drop terminal 36′ includes a housing 42′. The housing 42′ includes acover 1006 and a base 1008. In the subject embodiment, the cover 1006and the base 1008 cooperatively define an interior region 1010. Aplurality of ruggedized fiber optic adapters 46′ is mounted to thehousing 42′. In the subject embodiment, the plurality of ruggedizedfiber optic adapters 46′ is mounted to the cover 1006.

The ruggedized fiber optic adapters 46′ include first ports that areaccessible from outside the housing 42′ and second ports that areaccessible from inside the housing 42′. The first ports of theruggedized fiber optic adapters 46′ are adapted to receive connectorizedends of distribution cables. The second ports of the ruggedized fiberoptic adapters 46′ are adapted to receive fibers of the multi-fiberdistribution cable 30.

The housing 42′ defines an access opening 1012. In one embodiment, theaccess opening 1012 is cooperatively defined by the cover 1006 and thebase 1008. In the subject embodiment, the access opening 1012 isdisposed in a sidewall 1014 of the housing 42′. The multi-fiber cable 30is routed into the interior of the housing 42′ through the accessopening 1012.

In the subject embodiment, the housing 42′ includes a firstenvironmental seal 1016 and a second environmental seal 1018. The firstand second environmental seals 1016, 1018 are disposed in the accessopening 1012. In the subject embodiment, the first environmental seal1016 is a grommet. The first environmental seal 1016 is adapted tosealingly engage the multi-fiber cable 30. The second environmental seal1018 includes a passage 1020 through which the multi-fiber cable 30passes. The second environmental seal 1018 is adapted to seal around themulti-fiber cable 30.

The housing 42′ further includes an anchor block 1022. The anchor block122 is disposed in the interior region 1010 of the housing 42′. In thesubject embodiment, the anchor block 1022 is disposed immediatelyadjacent to the access opening 1012 of the drop terminal 36′.

The anchor block 1022 includes a body 1024 having a first end 1026 and asecond end 1028. The anchor block 1022 defines a passage 1030 thatextends through the first and second ends 1026, 1028. The passage 1030is adapted to receive a portion of the multi-fiber cable 30.

The anchor block 1022 is engaged with the housing 42′. In the subjectembodiment, the anchor block 1022 is in interlocking engagement with thehousing 42′. The anchor block 1022 includes a plurality of tabs 1032that extend outwardly from the anchor block 1022. In the subjectembodiment, the plurality of tabs 1032 extends outwardly from the body1024 of the anchor block 1022 in a direction that is generallyperpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the anchor block 1022.The plurality of tabs 1032 is adapted to engage a first receptacle 1036in the housing 42′ of the drop terminal 36′.

The anchor block 1022 includes a crimp 1038 and a retainer 1040 disposedin the passage 1030. In the subject embodiment, the crimp 1038 is acylindrical tube that is made of a deformable material. The crimp 1038defines a thru-bore that is adapted to receive the multi-fiber cable 30.With the multi-fiber cable 30 disposed in the thru-bore of the crimp1038, the crimp 1038 can be deformed around the multi-fiber cable 30 bycompressing the crimp 1038.

The retainer 1040 includes a first end portion 1042, a second endportion 1044 and a flange 1046 disposed between the first and second endportions 1042, 1044. The retainer 1040 defines a bore that extendsthough the first and second end portions 1042, 1044. The bore is adaptedto receive the multi-fiber cable 30.

The retainer 1040 is adapted to interlock with the anchor block 1022. Inthe subject embodiment, the flange 1046 of the retainer 1040 is adaptedto be received in a second receptacle 1048 defined by the first end 1026of the anchor block 1022. The engagement of the flange 1046 and thesecond receptacle 1048 axially retains the retainer 1040 in the anchorblock 1022.

Referring now to FIGS. 26-29, the drop terminal 36′ and the slackstorage spool 1004 are shown in engagement. The slack storage spool 1004includes a first flange 1050, a drum portion 1052 and a second flange1054.

The second flange 1054 is adapted for engagement with the front radialflange 920 of the bulk storage spool 904. In the subject embodiment, aplurality of fasteners 1055 (e.g., bolts, screws, rivets, etc.) is usedto engage the second flange 1054 to the front radial flange 920 of thebulk storage spool 904.

The second flange 1054 includes a first surface 1056 and an oppositelydisposed second surface 1058. The first surface 1056 faces in adirection toward the drum portion 1052 while the second surface 1058faces in a direction toward the bulk cable spool 904. The second surface1058 includes a mounting area 1060. The mounting area 1060 extendsoutwardly from the second surface 1058. The mounting area 1060 adaptedfor mounting the slack storage spool 1004 and the drop terminal 36′ to amounting location (e.g., wall, pole, post, hand hole, etc.). In thesubject embodiment, the mounting area 1060 defines a channel 1062. Inthe subject embodiment, the channel 1062 is arcuate in shape. Thechannel 1062 is adapted to receive a portion of a mounting structure(e.g., a post, pole, etc.).

The drum portion 1052 is disposed between the first flange 1050 and thesecond flange 1054. In the subject embodiment, the drum portion 1052 isreleasably engaged to the first flange 1050. The releasable engagementis potentially advantageous as it allows the drum portion 1052 and thesecond flange 1054 to be removed from the drop terminal 36′ in the eventall of the cable 30 is unwound from the bulk storage spool 904 and theslack storage spool 1004. In one embodiment, the drum portion 1052 is insnap-fit engagement with the first flange 1050. In another embodiment,the drum portion 1052 is engaged with the first flange 1050 by fasteners1061 (e.g., bolts, screws, etc.).

The drum portion 1052 includes an outer surface 1063 (shown in FIG. 26)and defines an inner cavity. The drum portion 1052 is configured toreceive the multi-fiber cable 30 such that the multi-fiber cable 30wraps around the outer surface 1063 of the drum portion 1052. In thesubject embodiment, the drum portion 1052 is cylindrical in shape havinga cross-section that is generally oblong. In another embodiment, thedrum portion 1052 has a cross-section that is generally oval in shape.

The first flange 1050 includes a flange plate 1065 and a hinge plate1066. The first flange 1050 further includes a hinge assembly 1068.

Referring now to FIG. 27, the hinge assembly 1068 includes a hinge pin1070 and a hinge receptacle 1072. The hinge receptacle 1072 is adaptedto receive the hinge pin 1070. In the subject embodiment, the hinge pin1070 is engaged to the hinge plate 1066 while the hinge receptacle 1072is fixed to the flange plate 1065. In the subject embodiment, the hingereceptacle 1072 includes a base end 1074 that is fixed to the flangeplate 1065 and a free end 1076 that extends outwardly from the flangeplate 1065. In one embodiment, the free end 1076 of the hinge receptacle1072 is generally hook-shaped.

The hinge assembly 1068 is adapted to allow the hinge plate 1066 topivot relative to the flange plate 1065 between a first position (shownin FIG. 27) and a second position (shown in FIG. 28) relative to theflange plate 1065. In one embodiment, the hinge plate 1066 pivots in arange of about 0 degrees to about 180 degrees. In another embodiment,the hinge plate 1066 pivots in a range of about 0 degrees to about 90degrees. In another embodiment, the hinge plate 1066 pivots an amountgreater than or equal to 45 degrees.

Referring now to FIGS. 28, 30 and 31, the flange plate 1065 includes abase wall 1080 having a first surface 1082 and an oppositely disposedsecond surface 1084. The first surface 1082 faces toward the dropterminal 36′ when the hinge plate 1066 is in the first position relativeto the flange plate 1065. The second surface 1084 faces toward the drumportion 1052 of the slack storage spool 1004.

The flange plate 1065 further includes a cable management area 1088. Inthe subject embodiment, the cable management area 1088 is a recessedarea. The cable management area 1088 includes a base 1090 that isaxially offset from the base wall 1080 of the flange plate 1065 and asidewall 1092 that extends between the base 1090 of the cable managementarea 1088 and the base wall 1080 of the flange plate 1065. The cablemanagement area 1088 is adapted to be received in the inner cavity 1064of the drum portion 1052.

The cable management area 1088 includes a first cable management spool1094 a and a second cable management spool 1094 b. The first and secondcable management spools 1094 a, 1094 b are offset from a central axisthat extends axially through the center of the slack storage spool 1004.

In the subject embodiment, each of the first and second cable managementspools 1094 a, 1094 b includes at least one cable retention projection1096 that extends outwardly from an end 1097 of the first and secondcable management spool 1094 a, 1094 b. In the subject embodiment, thecable retention projection 1096 extends outwardly from the cablemanagement spool 1094 in a radial direction. The cable retentionprojection 1096 is aligned with a retention projection 1098 that extendsinwardly from the sidewall 1092. A gap 1099 is disposed between an endof the cable retention projection 1096 and an end of the retentionprojection 1098 of the sidewall 1092 so that the multi-fiber cable 30can be inserted in to the space between the cable management spool 1094and the sidewall 1092.

The cable management area 1088 provides an additional location at whicha portion of the multi-fiber cable 30 can be stored. Storage at thislocation is potentially advantageous during manufacturing as it allowsfor a length of cable to be stored prior to installation in the dropterminal 36′. In addition, the cable management area 1088 may provide astrain relief function. For example, as the spooling system 1000 isrotating during cable payout, the cable management area 1088 will reducethe risk of a tensile force being applied to the multi-fiber cable 30 atthe access opening 1012 of the drop terminal 36′ if all of the cable 30is unwound from the bulk cable spool 904 and the slack storage spool1004.

The sidewall 1092 of the cable management area 1088 defines a cableopening 1100 through which the multi-fiber cable 30 is routed to thecable management area 1088 from the drum portion 1052. In the subjectembodiment, the cable opening 1100 is adapted to receive a transitionportion 1102 disposed on an axial end, which is nearest the first flange1050, of the drum portion 1052. The transition portion 1102 extendsthrough the cable opening 1100 and into the cable management area 1088.

The base wall 1080 of the flange plate 1065 defines a cable channel1104. The cable channel 1104 extends from the cable management area 1088to an outer edge 1106 of the flange plate 1065. The cable channel 1104is adapted to receive the multi-fiber cable 30 as the multi-fiber cable30 is routed from the cable management area 1088 to the access opening1012 of the drop terminal 36′.

The base wall 1080 includes a latch 1108. In the subject embodiment, thelatch 1108 is a resilient latch that is adapted to engage a catch on thehinge plate 1066. In the subject embodiment, the latch 1108 includes afirst resilient latch 1108 a and a second resilient latch 1108 b. Eachof the first and second resilient latches 1108 a, 1108 b includes aprotrusion 1110. In the subject embodiment, the protrusion 1110 of thefirst resilient latch 1108 a faces the protrusion of the secondresilient latch 1108 b. Each protrusion 1110 engages the catch on thehinge plate 1066. The latch 1108 can be disengaged by moving theprotrusion 1110 of the first resilient latch 1108 a in a direction awayfrom the protrusion 1110 of the second resilient latch 1108 b.

Referring now to FIG. 31, the hinge plate 1066 includes a plurality ofmounts 1112 at which the drop terminal 36′ is mounted to the hinge plate1066. In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 34, the hinge plate 1066further includes a plurality of cable tie openings 1114. The cable tieopenings 1114 extend through the hinge plate 1066 and are disposedadjacent to the catch. The cable tie openings 1114 are adapted toreceive a cable tie that can be tied around a mandrel 1116. In thesubject embodiment, the mandrel 1116 is a cylindrical bar that extendsthrough a central opening that extends through the flange plate 1065,the drum portion 1052, the second flange 1054 and the bulk storage spool904. In one embodiment, the mandrel 1116 can be held at opposite endsallowing the spooling system 1000 to rotate about the mandrel 1116 asmulti-fiber cable 30 is paid out. The cable tie prevents the dropterminal 36′ and the hinge plate 1066 from striking the mandrel 1116 asthe spooling system 1000 rotates.

The second flange 1054 further includes a tether 1120. The tether 1120includes a first end portion 1122 and an oppositely disposed second endportion 1124. The first end portion 1122 is engaged with the flangeplate 1065 while the second end portion 1124 is engaged with the hingeplate 1066. The tether 1120 is adapted to prevent the hinge plate 1066from opening beyond the second position.

In one embodiment, the hinge plate 1066 includes a mounting area similarto the mounting area 1060 on the second flange 1054. If the cable 30 iscompletely paid out from the bulk storage spool 904 and the slackstorage spool 1004, the bulk storage spool 904, the second flange 1054,the drum portion 1052 and the flange plate 1065 can be removed from thespooling system 1000 such that the hinge plate 1066 and the dropterminal 36′ can be directly mounted to a mounting structure.

Various modifications and alterations of this disclosure will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scopeand spirit of this disclosure, and it should be understood that thescope of this disclosure is not to be unduly limited to the illustrativeembodiments set forth herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fiber optic cable assembly comprising: a spoolincluding a plurality of axially spaced-apart flanges that respectivelydefine first and second discrete cable storage locations, the first andsecond discrete cable storage locations being coaxially aligned, thefirst discrete cable storage location having a larger cable storagecapacity than the second discrete cable storage location; a multi-fiberfiber optic cable coiled within the first and second discrete cablestorage locations; an environmentally sealed breakout enclosure mountedadjacent one end of the multi-fiber fiber optic cable with a pluralityof optical fibers of the multi-fiber fiber optic cable broken outtherein, the plurality of broken out optical fibers being coupled toruggedized fiber optic connection interfaces; and a drum portionpositioned axially between at least two of the plurality of axiallyspaced-apart flanges.
 2. The fiber optic cable assembly of claim 1,wherein the ruggedized fiber optic connection interfaces includetwist-to-lock coupling interfaces.
 3. The fiber optic cable assembly ofclaim 2, wherein the twist-to-lock coupling interfaces include threads.4. The fiber optic cable assembly of claim 1, wherein the enclosuremounts on the spool and rotates in unison with the spool as themulti-fiber fiber optic cable is dispensed from the spool.
 5. The fiberoptic cable assembly of claim 1, wherein the enclosure includes ahousing having a stepped face including a plurality of steps, andwherein the ruggedized fiber optic connection interfaces are provided atthe plurality of steps.
 6. The fiber optic cable assembly of claim 1,further comprising a central passage that extends axially through thespool, the central passage being configured to receive a mandrel aboutwhich the enclosure and the spool rotate in unison.
 7. The fiber opticcable assembly of claim 6, wherein the first and second discrete cablestorage locations define coaxially aligned first and second centeropenings, and the central passage is formed by the coaxially alignedfirst and second center openings.
 8. The fiber optic cable assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the spool includes a cutout.
 9. The fiber optic cableassembly of claim 1, wherein the drum portion has an exterior surface.10. The fiber optic cable assembly of claim 9, wherein the spool definesa cable transition notch through which the multi-fiber fiber optic cableextends.
 11. The fiber optic cable assembly of claim 10, wherein thecable transition notch has a closed end generally flush with an outercircumferential surface of the drum portion and an open end located atan outer peripheral edge of the spool.
 12. The fiber optic cableassembly of claim 1, wherein the spool further includes a hinge platepivotally connected thereto.
 13. A fiber optic cable assemblycomprising: a spool including a plurality of axially spaced-apartflanges that respectively define first and second discrete cable storagelocations, the first and second discrete cable storage locations beingcoaxially aligned, the first discrete cable storage location having alarger cable storage capacity than the second discrete cable storagelocation; a multi-fiber fiber optic cable coiled within each of thefirst and second discrete cable storage locations; and anenvironmentally sealed breakout enclosure mounted adjacent one end ofthe multi-fiber fiber optic cable with a plurality of optical fibers ofthe multi-fiber fiber optic cable broken out therein, the plurality ofbroken out optical fibers being coupled to ruggedized fiber opticconnection interfaces; wherein the spool includes a cutout.
 14. A fiberoptic cable assembly comprising: a spool including a plurality ofaxially spaced-apart flanges that respectively define first and seconddiscrete cable storage locations, the first and second discrete cablestorage locations being coaxially aligned, the first discrete cablestorage location having a larger cable storage capacity than the seconddiscrete cable storage location; a multi-fiber fiber optic cable coiledwithin each of the first and second discrete cable storage locations;and an environmentally sealed breakout enclosure mounted adjacent oneend of the multi-fiber fiber optic cable with a plurality of opticalfibers of the multi-fiber fiber optic cable broken out therein, theplurality of broken out optical fibers being coupled to ruggedized fiberoptic connection interfaces; wherein the spool further includes a hingeplate pivotally connected thereto.